President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about a detailed discussion regarding the production of our weapons next year and about a debate concerning new mobilization rules.

"I wish good health to all Ukrainians!

A difficult day. There was just an announcement about the shelling of Kherson. A Russian strike on the railway station. An evacuation train. All services are currently at the scene. The number of casualties and injured is being established now. There were many civilians there. Updates will be provided by the relevant authorities.

I held a War Council today for several hours. And almost all of it was dedicated to the production of our weapons next year. Regarding all elements - from artillery to drones and rockets, regarding each point - detailed discussions, detailed clarification concerning enterprises, contracts, state investments in production. With the participation of everyone responsible for results for the country. The Ministry of Strategic Industries and Trade, the Ministry of Defense, General Staff, Chief Commander. We outlined with the Prime Minister what amount of funds needs to be directed towards 'defense' quickly.

Government officials also need to determine all tasks for our diplomatic work next year - specifically regarding agreements with partners concerning weapon production, supply of components and equipment. Absolutely all plans, a clear action algorithm - everything essential must be determined for our defense complex so that the next year is as productive as possible. Ukraine must produce - independently or jointly with partners - everything necessary to protect against any form of Russian aggression. We can ensure this.

Of course, we discussed in detail at the War Council also the situation on the front - all directions, reports by commanders. Special thanks to our air forces - good work on occupiers in Crimea.

I held a meeting today about our work with NATO next year as well. The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Prime Minister, relevant Vice-Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, internationalists from the Office of the President. Ukraine's strategy in relations with the Alliance is absolutely clear - it is the foundation of security both for Ukraine and for all of Europe together with Ukraine. We form and implement a corresponding tactical approach under such a strategy. External policy, communication, institutional steps in our country. Everything must be maximally meaningful.

In the evening, I spoke with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Thanked him for greeting Ukrainians and all of Ukraine on Christmas and for his constant support to our people and state. The Phanar is involved in peace formula work. And it's important that world spiritual leaders are engaged in this joint work - the work of a global majority. We must together - everyone around the world - continue putting pressure on the Russian state. This is just.

A few more things.

Today, discussions began about new mobilization rules. There's a legislative proposal - military command, Ministry of Defense, and other involved bodies presented it to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. It would be right for such norms to be discussed and adopted not in private but openly. So that people understand the vision of the military command, what motives are behind these or those rules and conditions proposed by deputies and how questions already existing among our soldiers in the defense forces are being resolved. Law concerns everyone. Each person in the country. It would be right for a committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to determine together with the military how next year's needs for our defense forces should be ensured at the legislative level. We await the final text of the law.

And, of course, gratitude to our soldiers. Today there is something special to highlight soldiers of the General Staff, namely - specially designated personnel from Timur's unit and soldiers of our 24th separate mechanized brigade. Well done, boys!

I thank everyone who cares about Ukraine! I thank everyone who remembers that maximum results for Ukraine are needed every day!

Glory to Ukraine!"